Device for controlling an injection molding machine

Abstract

The device for controlling an injection molding machine (10) comprises a numerical value setting unit (20) for setting numerical values, which sets numerical values ​​for a plurality of items included in the molding conditions of an injection molding machine, and a range setting unit (24) which sets an input limitation range, which is an input limitation range of numerical values. The range setting unit (24) calculates an input limitation range for numerical values ​​set for at least one item, using numerical values ​​and coefficients common to each item.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for an injection molding machine (a device for controlling an injection molding machine). Related prior art

[0002] An injection molding machine repeatedly executes a molding cycle. The molding cycle includes a mold closing process, an injection process, a holding pressure process, a dispensing process, a mold opening process, and a molded part removal process.

[0003] The mold closing process is a process of closing a mold and applying a predetermined clamping force to the closed mold. The injection process is a process of injecting a molding material into the mold. The holding pressure process is a process of exerting pressure (holding pressure) on the molding material injected into the mold. The metering process is a process of metering the molding material in preparation for the next molding cycle. The mold opening process is a process of opening the mold. The part removal process is a process of removing a molded part from the mold. The injection process, the holding pressure process, and the metering process are carried out by an injection device comprising a cylinder and a screw that can move back and forth within the cylinder. When the screw moves forward, the molding material is injected, and when the screw retracts, the molding material is metered.

[0004] To obtain an optimal, burr- and warp-free molded part, it is necessary to determine numerous molding conditions, such as position, speed, and pressure, in each of the above-described operations performed in the molding cycle. However, to account for external factors such as temperature and humidity or individual differences between machines, the numerical values ​​for numerous molding condition items must be continually adjusted.

[0005] On the other hand, in the medical field, automotive field, etc., large deviations from the validation-approved conditions may not be allowed for molding or mass production in order to avoid producing defective products. Therefore, the degree of freedom in adjusting numerical values ​​tends to be limited. Furthermore, in countries where operator expertise is low, machines such as a mold, a mold clamp, and an injection device are prone to being damaged by entering incorrect settings. To prevent this, it is necessary to limit the range of numerical values ​​that can be set for the molding condition items. Therefore, it is effective to set an input restriction range, which is an input restriction range of numerical values ​​set for a plurality of items in the molding conditions.

[0006] JP 2020-124829 A discloses an injection molding condition setting value input device for displaying a permissible range (input restriction range) of setting values ​​in injection molding condition setting items. In this injection molding condition setting value input device, the input operator is restricted by the permissible range (input restriction range) of the setting values. Summary

[0007] However, in a case where the input operator inputs the input restriction range, it is necessary to determine the scope of the input restriction range, and this determination requires experience or the like. Furthermore, if the operator inputs the input restriction range incorrectly, the device may be damaged.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to solve the problem described above.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control device for an injection molding machine, the control device comprising: a numerical value setting unit configured to set a numerical value for each of a plurality of items included in a molding condition of the injection molding machine; and a range setting unit configured to set an input restriction range, which is a range for restricting input of the numerical value, wherein the range setting unit calculates the input restriction range of the numerical value set for at least one of the items using the numerical value and a coefficient common to the items.

[0010] According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to set the input restriction range without requiring the operator to input the input restriction range. Thus, the input restriction range can be set without requiring the operator to specify the scope of the input restriction range. This can prevent damage to the device caused by the set numerical values ​​for the molding condition items. Brief description of the drawings

[0011] They show: [ Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device for an injection molding machine; and [ Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an input restriction area setting screen. Detailed description of the invention

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device 10 for an injection molding machine. The control device 10 for the injection molding machine includes an information processing unit 12, a storage unit 14, a display unit 16, and an input unit 18.

[0013] The information processing unit 12 processes information. The information processing unit 12 may be a processor including a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, or the like. The storage unit 14 stores information. The storage unit 14 includes volatile memory and non-volatile memory. A part of the storage unit 14 may be provided in the information processing unit 12. The display unit 16 displays information. The display unit 16 may be a liquid crystal display or the like. The input unit 18 is for inputting input information. The input unit 18 is used for operation by an operator. The input unit 18 may be a mouse, a keyboard, or the like, or a touch panel arranged on the screen of the display unit 16.

[0014] The information processing unit 12 includes a numerical value setting unit 20, a numerical value acquisition unit 22, a range setting unit 24, a display control unit 26, and a warning unit 28. The numerical value setting unit 20, the numerical value acquisition unit 22, the range setting unit 24, the display control unit 26, and the warning unit 28 are obtained by the information processing unit 12 through the execution of a program stored in the storage unit 14. At least one of the numerical value setting unit 20, the numerical value acquisition unit 22, the range setting unit 24, the display control unit 26, and the warning unit 28 can be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.At least one of the numerical value setting unit 20, the numerical value obtaining unit 22, the range setting unit 24, the display control unit 26, and the warning unit 28 can be configured by an electronic circuit having a discrete device.

[0015] The storage unit 14 includes a numeric value storage unit 30, a coefficient storage unit 32, a range storage unit 34, and a nominal range storage unit 36. The numeric value storage unit 30, the coefficient storage unit 32, the range storage unit 34, and the nominal range storage unit 36 ​​each store specific information. The numeric value storage unit 30, the coefficient storage unit 32, the range storage unit 34, and the nominal range storage unit 36 ​​may be provided in a single storage device or in individual storage devices.

[0016] The numerical value setting unit 20 sets numerical values ​​for a plurality of items pertaining to the molding conditions of the injection molding machine. The plurality of items includes at least two of: the number of injection stages; the injection speed; the VP switching position; the number of holding pressure stages; the holding pressure; the holding pressure time; the pre-metering pressure; and the pre-metering holding pressure time.

[0017] The number of injection stages is the number of stages for stepwise switching of the injection speed. The injection speed is a speed at which the molding material is filled into the mold cavity and is set according to the number of injection stages. The VP switching position is a position to switch from speed control (V) to pressure control (P). The number of holding pressure stages is the number of stages for stepwise switching of the holding pressure. The holding pressure is a pressure applied to suppress the backflow of the molding material injected into the mold and is set according to the number of holding pressure stages. The holding pressure time is a time during which the holding pressure is continuously applied and is set according to the number of holding pressure stages.The pre-dosing pressure is a post-pressure immediately before the dispensing operation is executed, and the pre-dosing post-pressure time is a time during which the pre-dosing pressure continues.

[0018] The numeric value setting unit 20 sets a numeric value for an item that was input by the operator's input operation using the input unit 18. If there is an item for which the operator did not input a numeric value, the numeric value setting unit 20 sets a pre-prepared default value for that item. After setting a numeric value for each item, the numeric value setting unit 20 stores the numeric value set for each item in the numeric value storage unit 30 of the storage unit 14.

[0019] The numerical value acquisition unit 22 acquires numerical values ​​set for a plurality of items included in the molding conditions. In this case, the numerical value acquisition unit 22 reads the numerical value for each item stored in the numerical value storage unit 30 of the storage unit 14 from the numerical value storage unit 30 as a current numerical value (actual value) set for the item.

[0020] The range setting unit 24 sets an input restriction range. The input restriction range is an input restriction range of a numerical value set for an item. The numerical value is input by the operator. The input restriction range has an upper limit and a lower limit. The range setting unit 24 calculates an input restriction range of a numerical value set for at least one of the plurality of items. In this case, the range setting unit 24 uses a numerical value and a coefficient. Referring to the actual value acquired by the numerical value acquisition unit 22, the range setting unit 24 changes the upper limit and lower limit of the input restriction range according to the coefficient.

[0021] The numerical value is an actual value acquired by the numerical value acquisition unit 22. The coefficient is a common coefficient for the plurality of items included in the molding conditions of the injection molding machine and includes a first coefficient and a second coefficient. The first coefficient and the second coefficient are stored in the coefficient storage unit 32 of the storage unit 14. The first coefficient and the second coefficient may be pre-prepared default values ​​or values ​​input by an operator's input operation via the input unit 18.

[0022] The first coefficient is a coefficient used to calculate the upper limit of the input restriction range. The second coefficient is a coefficient used to calculate the lower limit of the input restriction range. In the present embodiment, the range setting unit 24 adds the first coefficient to "1" and multiplies the actual value by the addition result to calculate the upper limit of the input restriction range. Further, the range setting unit 24 subtracts the second coefficient from "1" and multiplies the actual value by the subtraction result to calculate the lower limit of the input restriction range.

[0023] The range setting unit 24 calculates the upper limit and lower limit of the input restriction range of a numerical value set for an item selected by the operator from among the plurality of items included in the molding conditions. When a plurality of items are selected by the operator, the range setting unit 24 collectively calculates the upper limit and lower limit of the input restriction ranges of the numerical values ​​set for each item.

[0024] After the range setting unit 24 calculates the upper and lower limits of the input restriction range, it compares the input restriction range with a nominal range. The range setting unit 24 sets the input restriction range or the nominal range, whichever is narrower. The nominal range is a range within which the input of a numerical value is restricted by the specifications of the injection molding machine and has an upper and lower limit. The upper and lower limit values ​​of the nominal range are stored in the nominal range storage unit 36 ​​of the storage unit 14. When setting the input restriction range, the range setting unit 24 stores the upper and lower limits of the input restriction range in the range storage unit 34 of the storage unit 14.

[0025] Upon receiving a request for setting the input restriction range from the input unit 18, the display control unit 26 displays a setting screen for setting the input restriction range on the display unit 16. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the input restriction area setting screen.

[0026] The setting screen displays an actual value, a maximum value, and a minimum value for each item included in the molding conditions. The setting screen includes item display fields 40, actual value display fields 42, maximum value display fields 44, and minimum value display fields 46.

[0027] The item display field 40, the actual value display field 42, the maximum value display field 44 and the minimum value display field 46 are arranged at intervals in a first direction. Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of the arrangement along the horizontal direction of the setting screen. Each of the item display area 40, the current value display area 42, the maximum value display area 44, and the minimum value display area 46 is arranged at a plurality of intervals in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Fig. 2 shows an example of the arrangement along the vertical direction of the setting screen.

[0028] The items are displayed in the item display fields 40. The actual numerical values ​​set for the items are displayed in the actual value display fields 42. The numerical values ​​displayed in the actual value display fields 42 are set by the numerical value setting unit 20 and acquired by the numerical value obtaining unit 22. The actual upper limit values ​​of the input restriction ranges are displayed in the maximum value display fields 44. The actual lower limit values ​​of the input restriction ranges are displayed in the minimum value display fields 46. The upper limit values ​​of the input restriction ranges displayed in the maximum value display fields 44 and the lower limit values ​​of the input restriction ranges displayed in the minimum value display fields 46 are default values ​​or values ​​entered by the operator.

[0029] The setting screen also includes check boxes 48, a select-all button 50, and a deselect-all button 52. The check boxes 48 are assigned to the plurality of item display boxes 40 in a one-to-one relationship and are arranged near the respective item display boxes 40. The "select-all" button 50 is a button for collectively selecting the items displayed in the item display boxes 40. The "deselect-all" button 52 is a button for collectively deselecting the items displayed in the item display boxes 40. Note that the selection of any item is performed by a selection operation of the operator using the input unit 18. When an item displayed in the item display box 40 is selected, a check mark is displayed in the check box 48.Therefore, while confirming the actual numerical value set for each item of the molding conditions and the input restriction range of the numerical value, the operator can select an item for which the operator wants to set the input restriction range.

[0030] The setting screen further includes a first coefficient display area 54, a second coefficient display area 56, and an execution button 58. The first coefficient is displayed in the first coefficient display area 54, and the second coefficient is displayed in the second coefficient display area 56. The first coefficient displayed in the first coefficient display area 54 and the second coefficient displayed in the second coefficient display area 56 are stored in the coefficient storage unit 32.

[0031] The execution button 58 is a button for executing the input restriction range setting. When the execution button 58 is pressed using the input unit 18, the input restriction range setting of the numerical value set for the item corresponding to the check box 48 in which the check mark is displayed is started. In this case, the upper limit and lower limit of the input restriction range are set by the range setting unit 24 using the numerical value displayed in the actual value display area 42, the first coefficient displayed in the first coefficient display area 54, and the second coefficient displayed in the second coefficient display area 56. Therefore, the operator can set the input restriction range without specifying the scope of the input restriction range.

[0032] When the upper limit and lower limit values ​​of the input restriction range are set by the range setting unit 24, the display control unit 26 displays the upper limit in the maximum value display area 44 and the lower limit in the minimum value display area 46. Therefore, the operator can confirm the numerical value set for the item and the input restriction range of the numerical value by comparing them. Likewise, the operator can further change the first coefficient and the second coefficient to reset the input restriction range if necessary. It should be noted that in a case where the range setting unit 24 sets the input restriction range or the nominal range, whichever is narrower, it is possible to prevent damage to the machine even if the coefficient is entered incorrectly.

[0033] The setting screen also includes a valid / invalid display field 60. The valid / invalid display field 60 selectively displays, in a pull-down format, whether the input restriction range is valid or invalid. Whether the input restriction range is valid or invalid is selected by the operator's selection operation via the input unit 18.

[0034] In a case where the input restriction range is valid, the input of the numeric value set for the item is restricted to the input restriction range set by the range setting unit 24. In this case, when a request to change the numeric value to a value outside the input restriction range is made, the numeric value setting unit 20 discards the value outside the input restriction range and retains the current numeric value.

[0035] In a case where the input restriction range is invalid, the restriction on inputting the numeric value to be set for the item is lifted even if the input restriction range has been set by the range setting unit 24. In this case, the numeric value setting unit 20 changes the numeric value to a value outside the input restriction range when a request to change the numeric value to a value outside the input restriction range is made.

[0036] The warning unit 28 issues a warning when the input restriction range is valid and a request to change the numerical value to a value outside the input restriction range is received. In this case, the warning unit 28 may display a warning message on the display unit 16, may issue a warning message via a loudspeaker, or may activate or flash a warning light emitting unit.

[0037] The embodiment described above can be modified in the following manner. (Modification 1)

[0038] A stopping unit may be provided that performs an emergency stop of the injection molding machine when the input restriction range is valid and a request to change the numerical value to a value outside the input restriction range is received. In this case, the warning unit 28 may be removed, or it may issue a warning without being removed. (Modification 2)

[0039] A first coefficient input range may be set, that is, a range within which the first coefficient can be input. In this case, upon a request to change the first coefficient to a value outside the first coefficient input range, the range setting unit 24 may calculate the upper limit of the input restriction range using a default value as the first coefficient. Furthermore, the display control unit 26 may display on the setting screen that the value input as the first coefficient is inappropriate, or may display on the setting screen that the input restriction range was calculated using the default value.

[0040] Similarly, a second coefficient input range, i.e., a range within which the second coefficient can be input, may be set. In this case, upon a request to change the second coefficient to a value outside the second coefficient input range, the range setting unit 24 may calculate the lower limit of the input restriction range using a default value as the second coefficient. Furthermore, the display control unit 26 may display on the setting screen that the value input as the second coefficient is inappropriate, or may display on the setting screen that the input restriction range was calculated using the default value.

[0041] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and gist of the present invention. [Invention]

[0042] The invention resulting from the above-described embodiment and the modifications will be described below.

[0043] (1) The present invention is the control device (10) for the injection molding machine, the control device comprising: the numerical value setting unit (20) configured to set a numerical value for each of a plurality of items included in the molding condition of the injection molding machine; and the range setting unit (24) configured to set the input restriction range, which is a range for restricting the input of the numerical value, wherein the range setting unit calculates the input restriction range of the numerical value set for at least one of the items by using the numerical value and the coefficient common to the items.

[0044] According to this feature, the input restriction range can be set without the operator having to input the input restriction range. Therefore, the input restriction range can be set without the operator having to specify the scope of the input restriction range. This makes it possible to prevent fixture damage or mold failure caused by the numerical values ​​set for the molding condition items.

[0045] (2) In the control device for the injection molding machine according to the present invention, the range setting unit can collectively calculate the input restriction ranges of the numerical values ​​set for the respective items. According to this feature, the respective input restriction ranges can be set earlier than in the case of individually calculating the numerical values ​​set for the respective items. Furthermore, the operator's operation required for calculating the respective input restriction ranges can be eliminated.

[0046] (3) In the injection molding machine control device according to the present invention, the range setting unit may calculate the input restriction range for the numerical value set for the item selected by the operator from among the plurality of items. Thus, the input range may be set only for the item desired by the operator.

[0047] (4) The control device for the injection molding machine according to the present invention may further include: the numerical value acquisition unit (22) configured to acquire the numerical value set for each of the items; and the display control unit (26) configured to cause the display unit (16) to display the numerical value, the upper limit of the input restriction range, and the lower limit of the input restriction range for each of the items, wherein the range setting unit can calculate the upper limit and the lower limit. According to this feature, the input restriction range can be set while allowing the operator to confirm the actual numerical value set for each item of the molding conditions and the input restriction range of the numerical value. Furthermore, the operator can be enabled to reset the input restriction range.

[0048] (5) In the control device for the injection molding machine according to the present invention, the range setting unit can calculate the input restriction range using the first coefficient for calculating the upper limit of the input restriction range and the second coefficient for calculating the lower limit of the input restriction range. According to this feature, the input restriction range can be set appropriately.

[0049] (6) The control device for the injection molding machine according to the present invention may further comprise the coefficient storage unit (32) configured to store the coefficient input by the operator, and the range setting unit may calculate the input restriction range using the coefficient stored in the coefficient storage unit. According to this feature, the input restriction range can be calculated taking into account the operator's request.

[0050] (7) The control device for the injection molding machine according to the present invention may further comprise the nominal range storage unit (36) configured to store the nominal range within which the input of the numerical value is restricted by the specification of the injection molding machine, wherein the range setting unit can set the input restriction range or the nominal range, whichever is narrower. According to this feature, the input restriction range of the numerical value set for the molding condition item can be appropriately set. Thus, even if the operator erroneously inputs the coefficient used for calculating the input restriction range, it is possible to prevent damage to the machine or mold failure.

[0051] (8) In the control device for the injection molding machine according to the present invention, when a request is made to change the numerical value to a value outside the input restriction range, the numerical value setting unit can discard the value outside the input restriction range and maintain the numerical value at a current time. This can reliably prevent device damage or molding failure. List of reference symbols 10 Control device 12 Information processing unit 14 storage unit 16 display unit 18 Input unit 20 Setting unit for numerical values 22 Acquisition unit for numerical values 24 Range setting unit 26 Display control unit 28 warning unit 30 storage unit for numerical values 32 Coefficient storage unit 34 Area storage unit 36 nominal range storage unit QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2020-124829 A

[0006]

Claims

[1] Control device (10) for an injection molding machine, the control device comprising: a numerical value setting unit (20) configured to set a numerical value for each of a plurality of items included in a molding condition of the injection molding machine; and a range setting unit (24) configured to set an input restriction range, which is a range for restricting input of the numerical value, wherein the range setting unit calculates the input restriction range of the numerical value set for at least one of the items using the numerical value and a coefficient common to the items. [2] The control device for the injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein the range setting unit collectively calculates the input restriction ranges of the numerical values ​​set for the respective items. [3] The control device for the injection molding machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the range setting unit calculates the input restriction range of the numerical value set for the item selected by an operator from the plurality of items. [4] Control device for the injection molding machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a numerical value acquisition unit (22) configured to acquire the numerical value set for each of the items; and a display control unit (26) configured to cause a display unit (16) to display, for each of the items, the numerical value, an upper limit of the input restriction range, and a lower limit of the input restriction range, wherein the range setting unit calculates the upper and lower limit values. [5] The control device for the injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the range setting unit calculates the input restriction range using a first coefficient used to calculate an upper limit value of the input restriction range and a second coefficient used to calculate a lower limit value of the input restriction range. [6] The control device for the injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a coefficient storage unit (32) configured to store the coefficient input by an operator, wherein the range setting unit calculates the input restriction range using the coefficient stored in the coefficient storage unit. [7] The control device for the injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a nominal range storage unit (36) configured to store a nominal range in which the input of the numerical value is restricted by a specification of the injection molding machine, wherein the range setting unit sets the input restriction range or the nominal range, whichever is narrower. [8] The control device for the injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, in a case where a request is made to change the numerical value to a value outside the input restriction range, the numerical value setting unit discards the value outside the input restriction range and maintains the numerical value at a current time.

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